· Keyboard and PS/2 mouse
Operating systemWindows NT 4.0, including service pack III
ZIP driveInternal Iomega ZIP drive, DIE interface (ATAPI)
MonitorHP Ergo 1280, 17" monitor (HP# D2840A)
PrinterHP Deskjet 890C Color Inkjet Printer
Tab.: cap1-1
Final 1.0 - January 1999Chapter 1Page 2
Light CyclerService Manual
Marks of Conformity
TM
The LightCycler
with EN 61010-1 (Safety Regulations for Measuring,
Control and Laboratory Instruments; Part 1: General
Requirements (IEC 1010-1 + A1: 1992, modified) and
has been checked according to all relevant safety
standards prior to leaving the factory.
The instrument has been approved for use by recognized
testing institutions.
This is confirmed by the following test/conformity
symbols:
GSCertificated by VDE institute (Association of German
CEThe instrument conforms to current directives as issued by the
has been manufactured in accordance
Electrotechnical Engineers)
European Union
ULCertificated by Underwriters Laboratories Inc.
CULCertificated by Underwriters Laboratories for Canada – a
testing facility recognized by the Standards Council of Canada
(SSC)
All equipment to be connected must fulfill the standards
set by IEC 950 (Safety of Information of Technology
Equipment, Including Electrical Business Equipment).
Tab.: cap1-2
Final 1.0 - January1999Chapter 1Page 3
Light CyclerService Manual
Classification
-ISM instrument, medium-sized, for industrial,
laboratory and domestic use.
-The instrument is designed for stationary operation.
-Any false measurements produced are irrelevant
from the safety point of view.
-The instrument is designated for worldwide marketing.
-It is intended for evaluating pre-processed biological
material.
The following should be noted:
-The instrument may not be used in conjunction with
infectious material without additional safety measures
being taken.
Final 1.0 - January 1999Chapter 1Page 4
Light CyclerService Manual
1.2Technical Data
1.2.1Instrument Specifications
General Data
DimensionsHeight 45 cm
Width 30 cm
Depth 45 cm
Weight20 kg
Power supply110-240 V ± 10%, 47-63 Hz
Wattage800 W
Noise acc. to DIN 43635< 80 dBA
Heat emission, including PC, monitor and printerMax. 860 kcal/h
Safety symbolsCE, GS, UL, CSA or CUL
Tab.: cap1-3
Environmental Parameters
Temperature during operation15 – 35°C
Temperature required during operation to maintain
specifications
Temperature during transport/storage/packaging20 – 60°C
Relative humidity20 – 80%
Altitude / pressure0 – 2000 m above sea level1030 – 850 hp
Samples
No. of samples32
Sample volume2 – 20 µl
15 – 30°C
Tab.: cap1-4
Tab.: cap1-5
Final 1.0 - January1999Chapter 1Page 5
Light CyclerService Manual
1.2.2Application Specifications
PCR Temperatures
Temperature range40 – 98°C
Temperature accuracy of measuring system± 0.3°C
Temperature stability with respect to time, 95°C+1°C / -0.5°C range
Temperature stability with respect to time, 65°C+1°C / -1.0°C range
Temperature stability with respect to time, 40°C+1°C / -0.3°C range
Temperature homogeneity
Temperature homogeneity over all capillaries and time, 95°C± 1.5°C range
Temperature homogeneity over all capillaries and time, 65°C+ 0.7°C / -1.5°C range
Temperature homogeneity over all capillaries and time, 45°C+ 1.5°C / -0.5°C range
Temperature Gradients
Temperature gradient 0.1 °C/s, 0.2°C/s
Temperature homogeneity for one capillary, 70 – 95°C± 1.5°C range
Temperature homogeneity for one capillary, 50 – 70°C± 1.0°C range
Temperature homogeneity for one capillary, all positions, 70 – 95°C± 2.0°C range
Temperature homogeneity for one capillary, all positions, 50 – 70°C± 1.5°C range
Temperature gradient 1.0 °C/s
Temperature homogeneity for one capillary, 70 – 95°C± 2.0°C range
Temperature homogeneity for one capillary, 50 – 70°C± 2.0°C range
Temperature homogeneity for one capillary, all positions, 70 – 95°C± 3.0°C range
Temperature homogeneity for one capillary, all positions, 50 – 70°C± 3.0°C range
Tab.: cap1-6
Temperature homogeneity for control of temperature peaks
Stability at 95°C for dynamic cycles, 72 – 95 – 50°C, 0s maintained+2.0°C / -1.0°C range
Homogeneity of capillary /capillary at 95°C for dynamic cycles, 72 – 95 –
+3.0°C / -1.0°C range
50°C, 0s maintained
Temperature homogeneity in capillary
20 µl, 70°C± 1.0°C range
15 µl, 70°C± 0.5°C range
Final 1.0 - January 1999Chapter 1Page 6
Tab.: cap1-7
Light CyclerService Manual
1.2.3Detector Specifications
Illumination
TypeLED
Median wavelength470 nm
Output at 470 – 490 nm0.1 mW
Tab.: cap1-8
Detector
TypePhotohybrid
Receptor surface2.5* 2.5 mm²
Sensitivity at 520 nm, 20 µl sample volume15 nM fluorescein (1s)
Sensitivity at 650 nm, 20 µl sample volumex nM fluorescein /LightCycler Red 640
Sensitivity at 700 nm, 20 µl sample volumex nM fluorescein / n.d.
Electronic dynamic12 bit
Electronic bandwidth1 kHz
Integration time20 ms
Alteration of amplification rangeFactor 1 – 256
The sample capillaries are thermostatted with hot air in
the thermal chamber; a ventilator ensures efficient
aspiration, distribution and temperature homogeneity of
the air during the heating process. During the cooling
process, the ventilator operates at a higher speed in
order to ensure adequate cooling. A heating coil controls
the temperature.
For measurement, the sample rotor is propelled by a
stepper motor; this brings the capillary tip precisely to
the focal point of the photometer optics. The photometer
itself is placed in a radial position in relation to the signal
maximum in order to compensate for any radial deviation
of the capillary tip.
3 microprocessors incorporated in the instrument control
the process. Processor 1 is for communication, processor
2 regulates the temperature and processor 3 controls
the measurement procedure as well as the rotor and
photometer movements.
For online display, data are transmitted to the PC. Here,
sample data are entered, the PCR reaction temperature
is monitored, measurement modes and initial evaluation
of melting point temperatures are carried out.
Structure of the LightCycler
The instrument comprises a basic lower and an upper
unit.
Basic Lower UnitThermo-chamber, photometer, drive units, circuit boards and power supply are located in
the basic unit. The base of the unit is a 10 mm cast aluminum plate onto which the various
elements are fixed. This guarantees stability, especially for the thermo-chamber and
photometer.
Upper UnitThe upper unit contains the heating coil, an excess temperature sensor and a cooler with
sectional converter.
Tab.: cap1-12
Final 1.0 - January1999Chapter 1Page 9
Light CyclerService Manual
Thermo-Chamber Thermostatting
Thermostatting is done by using hot and cold air. A
sensor with thermal time constants identical with those
of the capillaries provides reference values for control
purposes. The process is controlled by varying the
heating coil voltage. During the heating phase, only the
ventilator in the thermo-chamber is in operation; this
guarantees a high degree of temperature homogeneity.
During the cooling phase, both the capillaries and the
heating coil must be cooled. The ventilator is then
operated at a higher speed.
2 sensors are incorporated in order to prevent excess
temperatures:
Sensor ISensor I is responsible for the temperature regulation.
Sensor IISensor II monitors the actual temperature.
Tab.: cap1-13
Fluorescence Photometer
A 3-channel fluorescence photometer is used for
detection purposes. Sample excitation is initiated by a
blue LED with an emission maximum of 470 nm.
Fluorescence is detected by means of a separate photohybrid for each wavelength.
Final 1.0 - January 1999Chapter 1Page 10
Light CyclerService Manual
1.4Introduction
1.4.1Instrument
1.4.1.1 Principle of the LightCycler Technology
System Description
The LightCycler comprises two different instrument
components: a cycler component and a fluorescence
detection component. The combination of both
components allows complex applications such as product
analysis, quantification and mutation analysis.
The cycler component has been optimized for rapid
PCR applications. Compared with classical PCR where
typical cycling programs take several hours, PCR
analyses carried out in the LightCycler can be completed
in only 15-30 min. This considerable time saving effect
is due to very short temperature transfer times, the socalled „ramping“ times, of the LightCycler instrument.
„Ramping“ times are the time periods necessary to
reach the next pre-set temperature of a „cycling“ protocol
in a PCR experiment. An example is the transition from
94°C to 55°C after sample denaturation for primer
hybridization during the annealing phase. This sort of
high-speed cycling is made possible by an optimized
surface / volume ratio of the samples and the use of air
as a temperature transfer medium.
Fluorimetric Detection
The combination of an optimized thermocycler and a
fluorimeter not only enables “online” presentation of the
PCR data obtained and efficient analysis of results, but
also offers the user utmost flexibility. To meet individual
requirements, different detection formats can be used
by choosing and combining fluorescent dyes and
detection probes.
Fluorimetric detection of the PCR products formed
consists of two different procedures:
-sequence-specific detection by the double stranded
DNA binding dye SYBRÒ
-sequence-specific oligonucleotides are coupled to
suitable fluorophores as hybridization probes.
Analysis of Results
By means of the special LightCycler software, the data
obtained from fluorimetric analysis can be evaluated
and displayed. Additional cumbersome analytical
procedures subsequent to PCR, e.g. restriction and gel
analysis as well as blotting and hybridization experiments
are no longer necessary. The direct and simple analysis
of results also minimizes the contamination risk posed
by samples and working materials due to a reduction of
working steps required.
Green I, or
Final 1.0 - January1999Chapter 1Page 11
Light CyclerService Manual
1.4.2Instrument Components of the
LightCycler
1.4.2.1 The Cycler Component
Sample Carousel
The central element of the cylindrical thermal chamber
is the sample rotor. The rotor takes 32 samples in glass
capillaries with a diameter of 1.55 mm and a length of 35
mm. PCR analysis carried out in these specially
manufactured glass capillaries reduces the reaction
volume to only 5 to 20 ml max. The optimized surfaceto-volume ratio thus obtained allows for very short cycle
times of only 15 to 20 seconds per cycle. The very
favorable surface-to-volume ratio also guarantees an
extremely rapid temperature change in the reaction
mixture during each PCR cycle. At the same time, the
glass capillaries serve as cuvettes for the fluorimetric
determination of the PCR products formed.
Thermal Chamber
The cylindrical thermal chamber is supplied with hot air
and air at ambient temperature by means of a fan with
coupled heating coils. The incoming air is homogeneously
distributed by a high-velocity fan at the base of the
instrument, thus creating an even temperature throughout
the reaction chamber. Surplus air is vented through an
opening at the side of the chamber. The temperature is
controlled by using an integrated measuring system with
a temperature sensor installed in the direct vicinity of the
sample capillaries of the sample carousel. The PCR
thermal chamber is directly coupled to the optical system
of the fluorimeter.
Fig. scheme1
Final 1.0 - January 1999Chapter 1Page 12
Light CyclerService Manual
1.4.2.2 The Fluorimeter Component
Optics
The fluorescent optical components of the LightCycler
are schematically illustrated in chapter 1.3.1 The Light
Cycler. A blue high-performance diode (blue LED) serves
as energy source for sample excitation. The diode emits
radiation which is spectrally filtered to a wavelength of
470 nm and an energy of 1 mW and is collimated
(brought to the same wavelength) by means of a special
optical system. The homogeneous light beam of 470 nm
generated is subsequently focused onto the individual
glass capillaries and then onto the samples to be
measured in the sample carousel. The glass capillaries
are moved by a high-precision stepper motor and placed
in the optimal position for excitation and measurement.
According to the spectral properties of the fluorophore
used, the light emitted from the excited samples is
guided into one of three channels (see drawing in
chapter 1.3.1 The Light Cycler) via dichroitic mirrors for
subsequent evaluation. In this channel, the emitted light
beam is further collimated and spectrally concentrated
by means of a special filter optical system. For final
evaluation, the light beam is then focused onto a
photomultiplier.
The three evaluation channels of the LightCycler are
fitted with filter combinations. Thus, analysis at the given
emission wavelengths is possible and exact sample
measurement can be carried out in parallel with the
fluorophores given in Tab.: cap 1-14:
FluorophoreExcitation ChannelAnalysis Channel
123
470 nm±40530 nm±20640 nm±20710 nm±40
Fluorescein
SYBR Green I
490 nm
494 nm
525 nm
521 nm
LC-Red 640*
Table cap 1-14
Specification of excitation and measuring channels of
the fluorimeter component of the Roche Diagnostics
LightCycler: Comparison of the spectral properties of
selected fluorophores.
TM
Abbreviations *: LC-Red = Light Cycler
**
: LC-Red is not excited by the blue LED, but is a FRET
-Red 640
partner of fluorescein.
For further information, refer to the Operating Manual.
640 nm
Tab.: cap1-14
Final 1.0 - January1999Chapter 1Page 13
Light CyclerService Manual
1.5Warranty
Processing of Warranty Claims
A warranty claim has to be processed by way of the
Return Authorization procedure or any accepted
equivalent. Please answer all the questions on the RA
form with the greatest care.
The warranty claim will only be accepted by the
manufacturer if a detailed fault description is supplied.
Complete instruments are accepted only in agreement
with the Technical Product Management or with the
responsible person of Roche Diagnostics Technical
Support.
Important Information:
-Only parts marked with „A“ in the price list are
generally accepted under warranty.
-Return only parts marked with „R“ in the spare parts
price list.
-Warranty claim for “R” parts will be accepted, if the
part has been returned to Mannheim.
-All defective parts ( non-“R“ and „A“ parts ) should
be kept for a period of 7 months, should the
manufacturer need to investigate the part, in which
case it will be requested.
-All parts unduly returned to Mannheim will be sent
back at the expense of each country's respective
service center.
-RA warranty claims are accepted no later than 8
weeks after the problem date.
Repairs
As a general rule, all instrument repairs should be
carried out by authorized and trained personnel only.
Repair of Parts Marked with „R“
Parts which are worth repairing are marked with „R“ in
the spare parts price list. New and repaired parts can
be distinguished from each other by different material
numbers (language version).
(e.g. new part: 1234567-001, repaired part: 1234567-
984)
Repaired parts should be ordered together with new
parts via the order processing depar tment in Mannheim (OU-VDG). Defective parts should be returned
together with order of repair, including the filled out
RA form (giving full details of the defect and marked
choice box with repair), to Logistic Instruments
(Incoming Goods) in Mannheim-Wohlgelegen (LI-LV).
Repair of Instruments
Complete instruments are accepted only, if the
problem is definitety located in the photometer unit.
The replacement should have been agreed with the
Technical Product Management or with the
responsible person of the Roche Diagnostics
Technical Suppor t.
Terms of Delivery
Shipments to countries with the routine truck are c.i.f./
other shipments are ex works Mannheim .
Exclusion from Warranty
The aforementioned warranties do not apply in case of
improper use, handling, transportation or storage, faulty
installation, repair or maintenance, chemical influence
or contamination as well as damages resulting from that,
failure to follow operating instructions, alterations or
modifications of instruments or parts thereof not
authorized or recommended by Roche Diagnostics and
resulting damages, normal wear and tear and in case of
other circumstances beyond the control of Roche
Diagnostics.
Final 1.0 - January 1999Chapter 1Page 14
Emergency shipments incur additional charges.
Charges
"Repaired" parts (material no. 1234567-984) are
supplied at a "repair price. There will be a subsequent charge consisting of the price difference
between a new and repaired part, should the
defective parts not be returned within 3 weeks (for
European countries) and 8 weeks (for Overseas
countries).
Light CyclerService Manual
After receipt of a warranty claim for “A” parts, BMG
will credit 100 % of the currently effective ex MA price.
In case the manufacturer does not accept the
warranty claim, each country's respective service
center will be charged the R-price for "R" parts and
the new price for non "R" parts.
RA Form
Return Authorization
Please answer all the questions on the RA form with
the greatest care and sign the form.
- Country code
- Problem date
- Type of instrument
- Serial no. of the instrument
- Installation date of instrument
- Defective instrument or spare part
- Part number and material number of the spare
part
- Old / new serial no.
- Fault description
- Alarm code
- Service / workshop report no.
Instruments Not Under Warranty
- Installation date of spare part
All returned parts should be individually labeled with
the corresponding RA no. and shipped together with
the completed RA form to:
Roche Diagnostics
Logistic Instruments
RA Management
Friedrich Ebert Str. 100
D - 68167 Mannheim
Germany
2.5Operation and Maintenance of the LightCycler ___________________ 7
Final 1.0 - January 1999Chapter 2Page 1
Light CyclerService Manual
2.Installation
2.1Installation Requirements
Note
-The LightCycler should not be set up next to
instruments that cause electromagnetic
interference or have high inductance, e.g.
centrifuges or mixers.
-All connected peripheral instruments must fulfill
the requirements of Standard IEC 950 (UL 1950).
-All plugs used in the LightCycler workstation (PC,
printer, monitor) should have the same phasing in
order to prevent switch-on peaks and electronic
noise generated by other instruments or the power
supply itself. Use of an appropriate distributor plug
with the LightCycler workstation is recommended.
Working Place Requirements
See the following table for the working place
requirements:
Dimensions and weightThe LightCycler has a width of 30 cm, a depth of 45 cm and a height of 45 cm.
It weighs approximately 20 kg.
Voltage requirementsThe LightCycler operates on 120 – 240 V (50 – 60 Hz) and need not be
adjusted.
Power consumptionThe LightCycler requires approximately 800 W; PC and printer require a further
500 W.
Tab.: cap2-1
The LightCycler must not be opened by the
user
The fuse may only be replaced if the instrument
has been switched off at the mains.
Environmental Requirements
Please refer to the following table for the environmental
requirements:
Ambient temperature15 – 35 °C (all specifications maintained between 15 and 30°C)
Humidity20 – 80 %, no condensation
AltitudeSea level to 2000 m
Excess voltagecategory II
Degree of contamination2
Final 1.0 - January 1999Chapter 2Page 2
Tab.: cap2-2
Light CyclerService Manual
Storage Conditions
The LightCycler™ can be stored on5 the following
conditions:
Ambient temperature-20 - +60°C
Humidity20 – 80%, no condensation
Tab.: cap2-3
Final 1.0 - January 1999Chapter 2Page 3
Light CyclerService Manual
2.2Installation of the LightCycler
Installation of the Instrument
Please refer to the following table for the installation of
the LightCycler instrument:
StepAction
1Unpack the instrument.
2Position instrument on bench, working surface. Allow 10 cm space left, right and behind.
3Electrical connections:
- Connect LightCycler to the PC using an R 232 cable (serial inter-face).
- Connect LightCycler, PC, monitor and printer to same distributor plug.
Tab.: cap2-4
Ensure that printer, monitor and PC have
been set to the correct voltage.
Final 1.0 - January 1999Chapter 2Page 4
Light CyclerService Manual
2.3Computer and Software
Installation
Installation of the PC
After unpacking the computer, carry out the following
steps:
StepAction
1Connect mouse, keyboard and monitor to the computer.
2Connect the LightCycler to the computer with an R 232 cable (serial interface).
3Connect computer, monitor and LightCycler to the distributor plug.
The computer is now ready for operation
Tab.: cap2-5
Software
The complete software package is installed by Roche
Diagnostics.
Installation of Updates / Reinstallation
In the following table you find information about the
reinstallation and loading of updates:
StepAction
1Store any data, e.g. DATA, PROFILES and PROTOCOLs
2Place LightCycler CD-ROM in appropriate disk drive (e.g. F)
3Start set-up program (e.g. F:\SETUP.EXE).
Tab.: cap2-6
Final 1.0 - January 1999Chapter 2Page 5
Light CyclerService Manual
2.4LightCycler De-installation
De-installation of the Instrument
Please refer to the following table for the de-installation
of the instrument:
StepAction
1Switch off the instrument.
2- Disconnect the RS 232 and power cables.
- Clean according to the chapter on service and decontaminate if necessary.
3Dispatch instrument in its original packaging.
Tab.: cap2-7
Final 1.0 - January 1999Chapter 2Page 6
Light CyclerService Manual
2.5Operation and Maintenance of
the LightCycler
Guidelines for Operation
-The instrument may be operated only if protected
from the weather. It may not be operated in
buildings without temperature regulation facilities.
If necessary, additional drying agents may be
used to eliminate humidity.
-The instrument should not be operated near
dripping, spraying, splashing or running water.
-The instrument is thus suitable for use according
to classification 3K3 in accordance with Standard
EN 60721-3-3.
-The instrument may be used at locations subject
to noticeable or significant vibration; however, it
should not be exposed to higher levels of shock
waves.
-The instrument is thus suitable for use according
to classification 3M4 in accordance with Standard
EN 60721-3-3. The instrument is able to tolerate
vibrations up to classification 3M6. However,
based on expected locations of use, no significant
and permanent vibrations or shock waves are to
be expected.
Transport and Storage
When storing or transporting the instrument, it should
not be exposed to extreme cold, e.g. as in the case of air
freight. Temperatures lower than –25°C should be
avoided (damage to optical systems). The optical
systems are equipped with open ventilation systems
and should therefore be protected from dirt and humidity.
There are no further specifications for transport and
storage.
General Maintenance
The instrument is maintenance-free.
Cleaning the Instrument
-Use 70% ethanol for disinfecting the incubator.
-Use only alcohol and an optical cloth for cleaning